In his final game at Boston, Paul Pierce was given an emotional send-off by the fans and organization which he devoted 15 years of his professional career to. The 18-year veteran had never gone scoreless in Boston throughout his entire career, and he made sure it would stay that way last night.
Pierce was subbed back in with 19.8 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and received a raucous ovation from the crowd. Pierce then hit his only bucket of the night - a three-pointer over Isaiah Thomas - that sent the Boston fans into a frenzy and capped off what was truly a special night for the 10-time All-Star in his final return to the Garden as a player. The Celtics won against the Clippers with a score of 107-102.
Pierce started for the first five minutes of the game and spent all, but the last 19.8 seconds of the game on the bench before Los Angeles Clippers head coach, Doc Rivers, subbed him back in for forward Blake Griffin. "I'm glad I ended it that way. At least I can say I put one last bucket in", said Pierce.
Doc Rivers tried his best to ignore the thunderous chants from the fans who wanted him to put Pierce back in, but in the end, he could do nothing, but marvel at the finish. "That only happens here in Boston. For Paul that was perfect" said Rivers. Rivers coached the Celtics from 2004 to 2013, and helped them appear in the NBA Finals in 2008 and 2010, and winning one in 2008.
The 39-year old Pierce announced that he would retire after this season. He has only appeared in 22 games for the Clippers this season. Prior to his final appearance in Boston, Pierce's last game was on December 31. He spent the first 15 years of his career with the Celtics and is the franchise's second all-time leading scorer behind John Havlicek.
Per ESPN, Rivers told his players the importance of letting Pierce start in their game against Boston and his teammates all agreed. Pierce appreciated the opportunity to start in what was potentially his final game in Boston. Pierce was moved to tears after the Celtics aired a video tribute showing the impact he made in his 15 years in Boston. According to the Boston Globe, Pierce says he is proud of how Isaiah Thomas has been able to carry the Celtics and labeled him as a "championship-caliber player."
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